Abraka Metro
Numbers Or Network? Francis White And Obianife Luke Oviemuno Set For FCM Faculty President Contest
By Ighorue Deborah Ufuoma
The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCM), Delta State University, Abraka, is set for a keenly contested election for the position of Faculty President, as two prominent 300-level Mass Communication students have declared their ambitions for the seat.
They are Francis White, President of the Association of Mass Communication and Film Students (AMASCAF), and Obianife Luke Oviemuno, a Student Representative Council (SRC) member of AMASCAF, both of whom served in the 32nd administration.
Both candidates are well known within the faculty, and their declarations have already generated wide conversations among students across departments.
Political observers within FCM note that Francis White may have an early advantage owing to the visibility and grassroots mobilisation of AMASCAF. The Department of Mass Communication and Film remains the largest department in the faculty, and analysts believe that numerical strength could play a significant role during voting.
However, supporters of Obianife Luke Oviemuno maintain that the election will not be decided by population alone. They argue that legislative experience, strategic alliances, and a quiet but organised structure could enable the SRC member to secure support beyond Mass Communication and influence the outcome of the election.
Ahead of the polls, interviews were conducted with both aspirants to understand their visions and plans for FCM.
Francis White, former AMASCAF President, stated that he is contesting to provide leadership that is accessible and responsive to every student in FCM. He said his experience as AMASCAF President taught him that service must come before title, adding that all six departments deserve equal attention and growth.
He explained that his administration would prioritise student welfare, improved facilities, mentorship programmes, and unity across the faculty.
“I am running because FCM needs a president that is on ground. During my time in AMASCAF, I learned that leadership is service that comes with sacrifice and purpose. My vision is a united FCM where all departmental voices are heard, whether from Mass Communication, Journalism, Broadcasting, or any other department. I am going to push for better facilities and start mentorship programmes. I am accessible, and I will deliver for every FCM student. My administration will prioritise welfare, practical facilities, and unity across the faculty,” he said.
Obianife Luke Oviemuno, AMASCAF SRC member, said he is contesting because FCM needs structure, strategy, and leadership that understands how the system operates.
He noted that his role as an SRC member has exposed him to decision-making processes and prepared him to negotiate effectively for students. He added that his administration would be inclusive and transparent.
“I am contesting because FCM deserves competence, not just popularity. As SRC, I have been in the rooms where decisions are made, and I know how to get things done for students. If elected as FCM President, my first focus will be on improving the learning environment, starting with ensuring we have proper sound systems in all classrooms, accessible to every level and department. I will also spearhead an academic week in the first semester and a social week in the second semester to foster both learning and community. Beyond programmes, I will listen deeply to students and understand their needs before taking action because real solutions come from truly knowing what students are facing. I will be dedicated to transparent leadership and serving the faculty with care,” he said.
To gauge student sentiment ahead of the election, interviews were conducted across the various departments in the faculty.
Daniel Chukwudi, the current President of the Public Relations and Advertising Students Association (PRADSA), said the candidate who best serves the interest of his department would determine his support, adding that his personal decision remains private.
“As President of PR and Advertising, my job is to listen to both sides and protect the interest of my department. Both Francis and Luke have good ideas. PR and Advertising students are watching to see who has a concrete plan for us. For now, I am keeping my personal vote secret until I see who will truly deliver for the faculty,” he said.
Ubu Destiny, a 100-level student of Film and Multimedia, said students in smaller departments are tired of being overlooked in faculty politics. He noted that Francis White has consistently engaged Film and Multimedia students as well as Mass Communication students since they entered the university.
“Francis White has been coming to our classes since we came to the school. He talks to us like seniors, not like he is above us. Film and Multimedia is always left out, but he promised to carry us along with equipment and collaborations. I believe he will represent everybody, not just Mass Comm. My department is solidly behind him,” he said.
A 200-level Journalism student supporting Obianife Luke Oviemuno, who requested anonymity, argued that the election should be based on capacity rather than popularity.
“This election is bigger than the department. FCM needs unity. I am supporting Obianife Luke Oviemuno because he has structure. Francis is popular, but popularity alone will not run the faculty. Luke has the capacity to work with all six departments and get results. That is why I am with him,” she said.
Oluchi Tracy, a 200-level Advertising student, supports Francis White because of his accessibility and relatability. She maintained that White connects directly with students and makes them feel represented.
“Students vote for who they can relate with. White is on the ground. He knows our names, he answers messages, he shows up. I have seen his work. He has been visible and has shown capacity at the departmental level, and that is the same energy the faculty needs. White is the people’s candidate,” she said.
As campaigns have ended, the race is expected to become a contest between numerical strength and strategic outreach.
With six departments — Mass Communication, Film and Multimedia, Broadcasting, Journalism, Public Relations, and Advertising — closely watching, students will decide whether they want visibility and energy or structure and experience to lead the faculty in the next session.
A former Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Victor Peretomode, has proposed a tripartite governance model to sustain excellence in the institution.
Peretomode proposed the model at DELSU’s 12th valedictory lecture held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the university’s 750 Lecture Theatre, Site III.
The lecture was titled, “DELSU and the Burden of Expectation: The Challenges of Being Delta State’s Premier University and Rethinking Governance for Sustainable Excellence.”
He said as the state’s premier university, DELSU carries triple burdens — aspirational, political and operational — which translate into expectations such as expanding access to university education for Deltans, accommodating qualified indigenes, advancing state-specific development priorities and producing morally sound and employable graduates.
READ ALSO: DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
Peretomode, a Professor of Educational Administration and Higher Education, said the challenges could be addressed through his proposed “Peretomode Tripartite Model of Governance for Sustainable Excellence,” anchored on three pillars: Leadership Integrity, Funding Predictability and Quality Assurance.
He observed that DELSU has come far, but its journey is far from complete, adding that the burden of expectation it carries is not a weight to be feared, but a responsibility to be fulfilled.
In his remarks, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Visitor to the university, described Peretomode as an academic who contributed immensely to the development of university education in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the state would still need Peretomode’s wealth of experience as he bows out of service and assured of continued support for DELSU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lauded Peretomode’s achievements as former VC, noting that his policies, though considered harsh at the time, have placed the university in its present enviable state.
Asagba wished the valedictory lecturer the best in his future endeavours.
Highlights of the event included the launch of two books authored by the valedictory lecturer and a musical rendition by the Department of Music.
Peretomode joined DELSU in 1992 as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management and Foundations, became a Professor in 1996 and served as its 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2019.
The lecture was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Eric Eboh, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, DELSU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Hilary Owamah, DELSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Douglasson Omotor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. Patrick Ijeh, Provost of Oleh Campus, Prof. Augustine Atonuje, DELSU Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, DELSU Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakitie-Omajuwa, DELSU Librarian, Dr Josephine Onohwakpor, Provosts, Deans, Directors, staff and students of the university.
Also in attendance were the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Marine Polytechnic, Burutu, Prof. Emmanuel Okoro, Delta business tycoon, Chief Tunde Smooth, Executive Director of Project, DESOPADEC, Chief (Dr) Ebenezer Okorodudu, former DELSU Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, former Dennis Osadebey University Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Robert Ikomi, members of DELSU College of Chaplains, friends and family members of the valedictory lecturer, including his wife, Dr (Mrs) Otaroghene Peretomode.
The release comes barely 24 hours after the state-owned institution released its first batch of admission for the incoming session.
By Ese Umukoro
The serene community of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was thrown into mourning on Friday, 28th August, 2026, as the remains of Late Prof. Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah, popularly known as, Don Spino, was committed to mother earth.
Speaking during the commendation service at Atscan Hall, Site II of the University, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Samuel Asagba, lamented that he received the sad news of the demise of the deceased on 8th of May, 2026 as a rude shock.
Asagba recalled the personal memories he shared with Akarah as a friend, eulogising his forthrightness, outspokenness and doggedness.
He stated that Don Spino contributed his quota to the growth of the University in different capacities since he was employed into the services of DELSU, adding that his legacy would not be forgotten in the history of DELSU because of his impact on both staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor thereafter led the University community to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased.
READ ALSO: Students Adjust To Portal Upgrade Under DELSU VC Administration
In his commendation earlier, the Head of Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, Prof. Ochuko Nabofa, eulogised Don Spino, calling him a colleague, a friend, a scholarly collaborator and ultimately an in-law.
Nabofa recollected how himself and the late Don Spino shared ideas, challenged each other intellectually and worked together in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nabofa concluded that Don Spino’s death has left a void in the Department of Human Kinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, in DELSU and in the lives of those who knew him.
He said the bond was further strengthened when in February this year, Don Spino’s cousin, Hon. (Double Chief) Godday Ewenuvie, got married to his younger sister whom he raised as a daughter, thus making them in-laws.
In her oration, the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Florence Ugorji, said Don Spino was a man of the people whose life impacted positively on all who came across him.
Represented by Prof. Canice Ikeorji, the Dean further lamented that the deceased was an asset to the faculty and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Comrade Paul Opone, bemoaned the loss of Don Spino.
In his tributes, Opone recalled the contributions of Don Spino during congresses and how he fought for the Union during its period of crisis.
The union Chairman stated that the passing of Don Spino was a challenge to him and the Union as it would be difficult to get his replacement.
Opone thereafter led members of the Union in singing the solidarity song for a fallen comrade.
The commendation service also witnessed the filing past the casket of Don Spino led by the Vice Chancellor before the remains of Don Spino were taken to Uruekpo Quarters in Evwreni kingdom for interment.
Late Professor Emmanuel Oghenebrorien Akarah joined the services of DELSU in 1995 as Graduate Assistant and rose to the rank of Professor in 2021.
Earlier, a Service of Songs in his honour was held at the DELSU’s Sports Complex on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026.
Dignitaries present at the commendation service included the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, the University Registrar, Mrs Rufina Ufiofio, represented by Mr Emmanuel Okoro, the University Librarian, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Onohwakpor, Director of Ceremonials, Information and Public Relations, Prof. Enajite Ojaruega, Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Opone, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Eseka, family members of the deceased, Professors, staff, students, and others from within and outside the university community.
Those present during the funeral at Evwreni kingdom included the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Edmund Atakpo, immediate past Provost of Oleh campus, Prof. Elo Ibagere, Directors including the Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CES), Prof. Onoriode Emoyan, Deans of Faculties including the Dean of Arts Faculty, Prof. Nelson Edewor, Heads of Departments, politicians, business moguls, friends, family members of Don Spino and other mourners.
By God’stime Oyeh
An accident involving a GLK 350 and a commercial motorcyclist happened around 11:30 a.m., reportedly after a case of wrong-lane driving.
According to eyewitnesses, the motorcyclist, popularly known as an “Aboki” bikeman, was coming from the Campus 2 area when he was allegedly hit by the GLK 350 car.
The little damage to the car caused some tension at the scene as both parties tried to explain what happened.
Eyewitnesses said the motorcyclist seemed to be at a disadvantage during the confrontation with the car driver- who was clearly trying to oppress the motorcyclist which led vigilantes and other bystanders to step in and calm things down before it got out of hand.
Things reportedly got more heated when some area boys arrived and tried to help settle the issue. The GLK 350 driver defended himself and shared his version of events, but some witnesses felt his explanation didn’t quite match what they saw happen.
As arguments continued and tempers rose,and with the car driver still wanting to oppress the motorcyclist, the Vigilantes took it upon themselves to caution him since he wasn’t trying to make peace…the matter was eventually taken to the police station for proper investigation and resolution.
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Postpones Second Semester Examinations. See New Date
-
Education3 months agoDELSU Announces Admission Into New Diploma Programmes For 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Views Point3 months agoOPINION: Agriculture, Nigeria’s Fading Goldmine
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoExperts Urge Students To Embrace AI With Open Hearts
-
Education2 months agoBreaking: DELSU Bans “Sign Out” Parties, Threatens 2-Semester Rustication For Violators
-
Education3 months ago28-Years-Old Man Swindles JUPEB Students, Diverts N15 Million School Fees
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Begins Postgraduate Admission for 2026/2027 Academic Session
-
Entertainment3 months agoWorld Cup 2026: US-Iran Tensions, Local Travel Hurdles, Global Friction Shape Fan Atmosphere
-
Education2 months agoDELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoDELSU SUG Tackles Academic Decline with ‘CGPA Recovery Initiative’ for Junior Students
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising Cost Of Living Forces Abraka Students To Adopt Survival Strategies
-
Abraka Metro3 months agoRising House Rents Put Pressure on DELSU Students in Abraka
-
Abraka Metro2 months agoElozino Ogege: Lecturers React As Court Sentences Killers Of DELSU First-Class Student To Death
-
Education3 months agoChallenges Persist at DELSU Agricultural Farm Despite Student Training
-
Trending News3 months agoAbraka Residents Advocate Entrepreneurship, Warn Against Gambling Amid Economic Hardship
